Remembering Stephanie Cresswell-Brenner
With profound sadness, today we remember Stephanie Cresswell-Brenner, a senior in Anthropology at Western Washington University. Her death on Wednesday, Aug. 14, is a terrible loss to her family and friends, and to our Western community. No date has been set yet for a memorial service. I look forward to keeping you apprised as we learn more about her family’s and friends’ wishes.
We have learned that Stephanie died as a result of intimate partner violence. As we mourn this loss, we also commit ourselves as a community of learners to take action. Over the upcoming school year, there will be opportunities to learn about intimate partner violence, to support victims and survivors, and to make positive change. Please watch for announcements in September and throughout the year. Taking action to end violence is a powerful way to honor Stephanie.
On behalf of the university community, I extend deepest condolences to Stephanie’s family and friends, her faculty and fellow students, and support to all who are impacted by this loss.
Resources
The WWU Counseling Center will provide assistance to any student impacted by this incident. Students may contact the office at 360-650-3164 for support. Employees may access the Employee Assistance Program, 877-313-4455. Both numbers are available 24 hours a day.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by violence, either recently or in the past, CASAS, a confidential support service for Western students who have been affected by violence, is available at 360-650-3700, in Old Main 585B, or by contacting Deidre Evans, the CASAS coordinator, directly at 360-650-7982. DVSAS (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services) also provides services.
For help in supporting someone you care about, the Washington State Coalition against Domestic Violence offers helpful resources.
You may also find these resources from Love Is Respect to be helpful:
College Student Safety Planning
Melynda Huskey, Ph.D.
Vice President, Enrollment and Student Services
Western Washington University
Old Main 445, MS 9001
360-650-3839
Pronouns: she/her